We know the power of the Holy Spirit and have witnessed the act of discernment in the lives of those who experience Crossways. It is the realization of living out our mission, “bringing people together in Christ so lives are changed and communities enhanced.” But, we also know that the spirit of discernment is not limited to those who attend Crossways but also those who have been called to serve Crossways.

Recognizing God’s call to serve the church in new roles and other capacities, we announce with thanksgiving (but also some sadness) changes taking place at Crossways: Kelly Preboski, director at Pine Lake Camp, has accepted the call to be Executive Director at Luther Heights Bible Camp in Idaho.

"The theme verse, Ephesians 2:8, for this summer has been in my heart and mind daily. As I reflect on how God's love and grace changes us...our hearts, identity, perspective, purpose, and community; I realize Crossways has changed me and God is changing my call. As I follow the Spirit of Christ, I have accepted this new call as Executive Director of Luther Heights Bible Camp in Idaho! Thank you for four wonderful years full of growth and God inspiring moments, each of you has left an imprint on our hearts. May God bless the journey ahead, you will be in our prayers. Pine Lake Camp will always hold a special place in our hearts."

​- Kelly, Zach, Owen, & Quinn

​Becca Mortensen, who has served as the Program Coordinator for the past two years, will also be leaving at the end of the summer season, as God is leading her into youth ministry in a congregational setting. Her call to youth ministry would not be as strong as it is without the experiences gained at Crossways and she plans to stay connected with the ministry of Crossways as an attendee and volunteer. ​

We have truly been blessed by Kelly and Becca’s leadership at Pine Lake. We pray God’s continued blessings on Kelly and her family and their new adventure in Idaho. We also wish all the best to Becca as she transitions into congregational ministry and are excited that she will continue to be part of Crossways (as much as her new schedule and position will allow).

​If you would like to recognize or honor the ministry of Kelly and Becca at Crossways, we invite you to consider a financial gift in support of the programs that they so passionately care about: Crossways’ internship program, support for the international summer staff program, and family camps. Your gifts will have a lasting impact on the sustainability of these programs and the resources and experiences that we are committed to continue to offer.

Another change in roles and leadership for the organization is a repositioning of Gloria Allhiser. Gloria has served as the associate director since April of 2017, but will be shifting her responsibilities to allow her to pursue a call to clinical counseling and full licensure as a professional counselor. She is excited to be taking this leap as it is the realization of a long-held dream. Gloria wants to share that being on staff with Crossways in this leadership role has also been a dream realized, and she is committed to assisting Crossways in the upcoming months with marketing and public relations.

The board and staff at Crossways are working hard during this time of change for the organization. We ask for your continued support and prayers during this transitional time. We are excited about the possibilities of God’s call and direction and remain ever faithful to our friends and partners in ministry.

Crossways' Jake Czarnik-Neimeyer was featured on several statewide radio programs to talk about the recent conservation easement on Waypost's property. The easement was first mentioned in an interview with Glen Moberg on WPR. Moberg then invited Jake and Janet Smith from North Central Conservancy Trust on his own program, Route 51. Both are great interviews and worth a listen. The easement was also featured in an article in the Wausau Daily Herald. We're just thrilled that word is getting out about this important development.

​While this year is realizing some changes at Crossways Camping Ministries, it is doing so as an organization that is even more committed and called to live out its mission “bringing people together in Christ so lives are changed, and communities enhanced."

This has been made even more evident to me as I began my role as the Interim Executive Director at the beginning of this year. While I have had the blessing and privilege to serve this organization on various committees and as a member of the board of directors since 2013, what I have experienced in a very short time in this new role has been amazing. I have witnessed the total commitment of an amazing staff and heard incredible and intimate stories of lives impacted, all this in just a few short weeks...

​APPLETON, WI - The American Camp Association® (ACA) announced in November that the three camps of Crossways Camping Ministries (Imago Dei Village of Clintonville, Pine Lake Camp of Waupaca, and Waypost Camp of Hatley) have received ACA-Accredited® Camp status for 2018.

"ACA Accreditation means that Imago Dei Village, Pine Lake Camp, and Waypost Camp were submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry," said Cindy Moore, National Standards Commission.

"Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization," Moore said.

On Monday, December 11, Crossways and North Central Conservancy Trust closed on a conservation easement years in the making. The following is a press release from NCCT:

North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT) has partnered with Crossways Camping Ministries’ Waypost Camp to protect 88 acres and over half the shoreline of beautiful Mission Lake in southeastern Marathon County. On December 11, 2017, a conservation easement was signed that will forever protect a cedar swamp, bogs, and forested knolls that once were a summer home to indigenous peoples. The oak and pine-clad highlands hold a magnificent view across the lake. Tall hemlocks and wetlands line the shore, and diverse aquatic plant communities provide habitat for a robust fishery... ​

Effective December 31, 2017, Jake Czarnik-Neimeyer will conclude his role as Executive Director at Crossways and transition into a part-time, semi-retired position as our Capital Campaign Director. This re-positioning of Jake and his role/responsibilities will direct the needed time, attention, and resources to the Capital Campaign launching this month.